What to See

This section of the river is characterized by a good current and some impressive slopes towering overhead. There is an active blue heron rookery tucked into a property along this stretch, as well.

Conservation Value

The Muskegon River is the second longest river in Michigan and is known for its good fishery which includes the threatened Lake Sturgeon. Several tributary streams and wetlands supply high quality cold water to the Muskegon River in this section.

History

Through partnerships with six families, the Land Conservancy has protected more than 500 acres of land and five miles of river frontage in the Muskegon River watershed. The Land Conservancy worked with the Veit, Sutton, and Leaver families to protect more than 400 acres of land and 3.5 miles of frontage along this stretch of river.

Visitor Information

The Thornapple access is located off of Thornapple Road about a mile north of M-82. Restrooms are available at both the Thornapple access and Henning Park. Henning Park also has picnic areas and campground facilities. A vehicle permit (fee) is required for Henning Park. The City of Newaygo is just downstream of Henning Park, and is also an easy drive southwest from the park for other amenities.

Explore Nearby

A hidden gem tucked behind tall dune hills, Lost Lake is a botanical treasure with plants found in both bog and coastal plain marsh habitats. An unpaved trail leads around Lost Lake, easily accessed from the Snug Harbor parking lot. A wheelchair-accessible trail from the Winter Sports Complex leads to an accessible overlook and viewing scope on the wetland’s north side.

Features

Amenities

Sign up for our E-newsletter

Get all the latest West Michigan conservation stories, news, and invitations in our monthly e-newsletter.

Email Address*

First Name

Last Name

* = required field

Updates

E-newsletterBlog Notifications

About Us

At the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, we work to keep nature nearby and help people protect, enjoy, and care for natural land in West Michigan. We conserve land by creating public nature preserves, providing support to communities and local governments creating natural areas, and helping private landowners protect their own land.